“Once Upon a Deadpool” (Fox)
By Catholic News Service
Slightly reworked version of “Deadpool 2” designed to qualify for a less restrictive rating from the Motion Picture Association of America. Besides subtractions of violence and gore, there’s the addition of a framing narrative in which the snarky superhero of the title (Ryan Reynolds, who also co-wrote the script) recounts his adventure to actor Fred Savage in an homage to Savage’s childhood role in 1987’s “The Princess Bride.” Much of the objectionable material from the original remains. So, even toned down, this is hardly family fare.
Pervasive mostly gore-free violence, cohabitation, much sexual and some scatological humor, a benignly viewed incidental gay relationship, mature references, including to incest and contraception, a couple of slightly irreverent jokes, several uses of profanity, at least one rough term, frequent crude and crass language, obscene gestures.
The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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